We love India, its unique culture, its friendly people, and its old-time beauty. But one of the things we love most about India is its delicious vegan Indian food that is found on every corner.
Indian cuisine is known for its rich flavors, aromatic spices, and diverse range of dishes. While some Indian dishes contain meat or dairy products, there are plenty of vegan options available for vegans and India in general is an extremely vegan-friendly country.
In this post, we explore some of the best vegan Indian food that will be sure to change your life - as they did ours.
Are Most Indian Foods Vegan?
While most food in India is vegetarian, it's not accurate to say most foods are vegan. However, with a simple knowledge of Indian food, it's extremely easy (and delicious) to find vegan Indian food.
India has a history of being one of the most vegetarian-friendly countries on Earth - and that definitely translates to being super vegan-friendly too. While some meat dishes exist in India, you won't have any trouble eating 100% vegan. What's better? The people will understand your food choices as it is not uncommon to find vegans in India. If you're visiting India, one tip we found was that many locals said "100% vegetarian" in place of vegan.
Many Indian dishes are made from lentils, vegetables, grains, and spices, which are the basis of most vegan India meals. However, there are also many Indian dishes that contain dairy products such as ghee, paneer, and yogurt, which, of course, are not vegan. For example, dishes like butter chicken, (some) naan bread, and raita contain meat or dairy products.
Overall, while many Indian dishes are vegan, not all of them are. It is essential to be mindful of the ingredients and communicate your dietary needs when ordering food.
15 Must-Try Vegan Indian Meals
1. Chana Masala
Chana Masala is a popular North Indian dish made with chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. The dish is usually seasoned with cumin, coriander, and turmeric, which gives it a distinct flavor. The chickpeas are cooked until they are tender and then simmered in a spicy tomato-based sauce. This vegan dish is high in protein and fiber, making it a great option for those looking for a filling and nutritious meal.
2. Aloo Gobi
Aloo Gobi is a classic vegetarian Indian dish that is made with potatoes and cauliflower. The dish is usually seasoned with cumin, coriander, and turmeric, which gives it a warm and earthy flavor. The potatoes and cauliflower are cooked until they are tender and then sautéed with onions, garlic, and ginger. This vegan dish is a great source of fiber and vitamins, making it a healthy and delicious meal option.
3. Masala Dosa
Masala Dosa is a popular vegan South Indian dish that consists of a thin and crispy crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter, filled with a spiced potato filling. The crepe is made by spreading the batter thinly on a griddle and cooking until it is golden brown and crispy. The potato filling is made with boiled potatoes that are mashed and seasoned with a blend of spices, including cumin, mustard seeds, and turmeric. The dish is usually served with coconut chutney and sambar, a lentil-based vegetable stew.
4. Samosas
Samosas are a popular Indian snack that can be made with a variety of fillings, including potatoes, peas, and spices. The filling is wrapped in a triangular pastry and then deep-fried until golden brown. Samosas are often served with chutney, which is a sweet and tangy dipping sauce. These vegan snacks are crispy and flavorful, making them a great option for a quick and satisfying snack.
5. Baingan Bharta
Baingan Bharta is a vegan dish made with roasted eggplant, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. The eggplant is roasted until it is tender and then mashed with the other ingredients to create a flavorful and aromatic dish. The dish is usually seasoned with cumin, coriander, and garam masala, which gives it a warm and smoky flavor. This vegan dish is a great source of fiber and antioxidants, making it a healthy and nutritious meal option.
6. Dal Makhani
Dal Makhani is a creamy and rich dish made with black lentils, kidney beans, and a blend of spices. The lentils and beans are cooked until they are tender and then simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce. The dish is usually seasoned with cumin, coriander, and garam masala, which gives it a warm and flavorful taste. This vegan dish is high in protein and fiber, making it a great option for a hearty and nutritious meal.
7. Aloo Tikki
Aloo Tikki is a popular Indian street food that is made with mashed potatoes, spices, and breadcrumbs. The potato mixture is formed into patties and then fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Aloo Tikki is often served with chutney, which is a sweet and tangy dipping sauce. These vegan snacks are flavorful and filling, making them a great option for a quick and satisfying snack.
8. Vegetable Biryani
Vegetable Biryani is a rice dish that is made with a variety of vegetables and spices. The dish is usually seasoned with cumin, coriander, and garam masala, which gives it a warm and aromatic flavor. The vegetables are cooked until they are tender and then mixed with basmati rice and a blend of spices. This vegan dish is high in fiber and vitamins, making it a healthy and flavorful meal option.
9. Palak Paneer (Vegan)
Palak Paneer is a popular North Indian dish made with spinach and tofu instead of paneer (cottage cheese). The dish is usually seasoned with cumin, coriander, and garam masala, which gives it a warm and earthy flavor. The tofu is cooked until it is firm and then simmered in a creamy spinach-based sauce. This vegan dish is high in protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a nutritious and flavorful meal option.
10. Masoor Dal
Masoor Dal is a simple yet delicious vegan dish made with red lentils and a blend of spices. The lentils are cooked until they are tender and then simmered in a tomato-based sauce. The dish is usually seasoned with cumin, coriander, and garam masala, which gives it a warm and flavorful taste. This vegan dish is high in protein, fiber, and iron, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option.
11. Chole Bhature
Chole Bhature is a popular Punjabi dish that consists of spicy chickpeas (chole) and fried bread (bhature). The chickpeas are cooked until they are tender and then simmered in a tomato-based sauce that is seasoned with cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The bread is made with flour, yogurt, and spices and then deep-fried until it is crispy and golden brown. This vegan dish is flavorful and filling, making it a great option for a hearty and satisfying meal.
12. Gobi Manchurian
Gobi Manchurian is a popular Indo-Chinese dish that consists of crispy cauliflower florets coated in a tangy and spicy sauce. The cauliflower is first coated in a batter made from flour and spices, then deep-fried until it is crispy and golden brown. The fried cauliflower is then tossed in a sauce made with soy sauce, chili sauce, ginger, and garlic. This vegan dish is a flavorful and crunchy option that is perfect as a snack or appetizer.
13. Kofta Balls
Kofta balls are a popular vegan Indian dish made with spiced vegetable balls, usually made with potatoes, carrots, and peas, that are fried until crispy and served in a flavorful tomato-based gravy. The gravy is made with a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, and garam masala, and is a delicious complement to the crispy kofta balls. This dish is a great option for a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.
14. Pakoras
Pakoras are a popular Indian snack that consists of vegetables, such as onions, potatoes, and spinach, coated in a spiced chickpea flour batter and deep-fried until crispy. Pakoras are usually served with a chutney, such as mint or tamarind, and are a delicious and crunchy option that is perfect for a quick and easy snack or appetizer. Pakoras can be made with a variety of vegetables and spices, so feel free to experiment and make them your own.
15. Vegan Mango Lassi
Mango lassi is a popular drink from India that is made with mango, yogurt, and sugar. However, for a vegan version, you can replace the yogurt with a plant-based yogurt, such as coconut or almond yogurt. The drink is a sweet and tangy blend of ripe mango, creamy yogurt, and a touch of sweetness from the sugar. It is usually served chilled and is a perfect drink for a hot summer day.
Conclusion
Indian cuisine is a treasure trove of vegan dishes that are both delicious and nutritious. From hearty curries to crispy snacks, there are plenty of options for vegans to choose from. Some of the best vegan Indian dishes include chana masala, palak (tofu) paneer, biryani, masala dosa, baingan bharta, gobi manchurian, aloo gobi, kofta balls, pakoras, and samosas. And for a refreshing drink, don't forget to try vegan mango lassi.
Whether you are a vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based options into your diet, these vegan Indian dishes are sure to satisfy your taste buds and provide you with the nutrients your body needs. With their complex flavors and rich textures, these dishes are a testament to the diversity and creativity of Indian cuisine. So, go ahead and explore the world of vegan Indian food - you won't be disappointed.
